Tire Dry Rot: Causes, Signs, and Prevention

Age

There is no exact shelf life for a set of tires. Depending on how tires were stored and used, they could avoid dry rot for a very long time. But, as tires age, it becomes more likely that they will need to be replaced for safety reasons. Want to know when your tires were manufactured? Look for the letters DOT on the sidewall. The first set of four characters will be the Tire Identification Number, the next set will be the tire purpose, and the last set of four numbers will indicate the tire’s age. The first two digits indicate the week (01-52) and the next four digits indicate the year.

Weather

Heat and direct sunlight are some of the biggest causes of tire dry rot. Cold weather can play a role too, with freezing temperatures causing the rubber to get brittle. Together, the weather in your region can cause tires to wear out more quickly than expected.

Lack of Use

The average American vehicle is driven 15,000 miles a year. If you drive less, keep an eye on your tires. Especially if your vehicle stays parked outside of a garage (in the elements) for weeks or months on end.

Improper Storage

Even if you take the tires off an unused vehicle, the tires can age quickly when not stored properly. Learn how to store your tires properly with tips from Les Schwab.

Harsh Chemicals (Deicer)

Do you drive on maintained winter roads? You could be coming into contact with deicer. This chemical can damage tires over time. Additionally, some cleaning agents not designed for tires can cause damage over time.

Improper Air Pressure

Too much air in your tires can cause the rubber to separate over time. Additionally, too little air pressure can cause excessive heat which can cause the rubber to break down. Maintaining the proper air pressure can extend the life of your tires by up to 4,700 miles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

UV Light

Ultraviolet light can break down the rubber in your tires. There are some products that claim to provide your tires with a layer of protection from harmful UV light. Think of it as sunscreen for your tires.

Cracks on the Sidewall

You’ll see cracks and dry spots along the sidewall and under the tread.

Cracks on the Tread

Small cracks on the outside of the tire tread can be a serious sign of tire dry rot.

Fading Colors

A new tire should be dark in color. Tire dry rot can fade that color over time.

Low Air Pressure

If your tire pressure monitoring system is constantly telling you to add air to your tires, it could be a sign of tire dry rot.

Inspect Your Tires Regularly to Detect Early Signs of Dry Rot

Look for abnormal wear, cracks, fading colors, and any separation in the tread. The pros at Les Schwab can spot dry rot early and show you all of your options. Have your tires inspected at your local Les Schwab along with tire rotations every 5,000 miles.

Put Miles on Your Tires

Don’t just let your tires sit unused unless they are properly stored. Tires are meant to be driven on, so let them do their job to keep you and your family safe on the road.

Use the Garage or Tire Covers

If you have the option, park your vehicle in the garage or cover your tires with RV tire covers (if there is enough room in the wheel well). This can help protect your tires from excessive heat and cold, as well as UV light.

Clean Your Tires

Regularly using a special tire cleaner and protective agent every other time you wash your car can add life to your tires. Keep your tires looking like new with tire, wheel, auto body, and interior cleaning products at many Les Schwab locations.